HOISINGTON — Loretta Jean Baum, 92, passed away Feb. 8, 2023, at Credo Senior Living in Hoisington. She was born Feb. 7, 1931, at Russell, to George and Opal (Whitman) Cronn. She married Leo Harold Baum on Dec. 12, 1949, at Russell. He died July 25, 2022.

Loretta, a Hoisington resident since 1970 coming from Paradise, Kan., worked for Clara Barton Hospital in the dietary speciality and housekeeping departments, also working for Fuller Brush Co. for many years. She enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, cooking, and was known for her gift of hospitality, cherishing time spent with family and friends. Above all, Loretta was a devoted member of the Christian faith, shaping her life around her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior.

Survivors include two sons, Leo Baum, Jr. (Vicky) of Rusk, Texas, and Gordon Baum (Karen) of Buchannon, W.V.; two daughters, Ginger Cotten (Joe) of Hoisington, and Brenda Roat (Damon Phelps) of Hoisington; son-in-law Terry Hekele of Great Bend; grandchildren, Leo C. Baum, Bri Foresman, Kim Gould, Angela Gould, Tina Harman, Cassie Andrews, Kristin Wilt, Terri Umphres, Tiffany Hekele, Tyann Miller, Micah Cotten, Sarah Simic, Rebekah Ohlde, Joey Cotten, Kristin Roat, DJ Miller and Trenton Roat; 22 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; and one brother, Duane Cronn (Carol) of Paradise. She was preceded in death by daughter, Leota Hekele; and two sisters, Leota Harrell and Shirley Nelson.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m Sunday, Feb. 12, with family to receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel in Hoisington, with Pastor Don Fisher. Interment will be in the Hoisington Cemetery, Hoisington. Memorials have been designated to the Church of the Nazarene or Gentiva Hospice, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS  67544. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 

P.O. Box 146 

Hoisington, KS  67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 10, 2023